Chapter Text
Akaashi Keiji had known the Miya twins since he was five years old. They had met in kindergarten when Keiji was assigned as one of their desk mates. Keiji was welcomed into their group, and the three soon became friends. By the time they were ten, Keiji and Osamu had grown closer. As much as they liked spending time with Atsumu, they also enjoyed finding pockets of time for themselves. During their time alone, they developed a bond different from Keiji's friendship with Atsumu. Being with Osamu made Keiji’s chest feel warm, and his heart beat fast. He didn’t understand what it meant, but he liked the feeling.
One day, the twins and Keiji played near Keiji’s house. They were skipping rocks when it started to rain. Mama Miya called them to leave and return home. Osamu grabbed his wrist.
“C’mon, Osamu, we’re going to get sick in the rain," Keiji said as he turned to him.
“I learned this is what you do when you like someone.”
Keiji gave Osamu a confused look. Osamu shut his eyes and leaned closer, giving Keiji a quick peck on the lips before pulling away. The two looked at each other with wide eyes and red cheeks, neither really knowing what to say. When Keiji finally figured out what to say, Osamu was already running off toward Atsumu. He didn’t understand what love was, but at that moment, he was sure that that was what he felt for Osamu.
They didn't confess their feelings for each other until they were sixteen. They were a bit drunk, having stolen some booze from Keiji's parents before hanging out with friends. They had snuck away from the group and shared their first real kiss. Their friends didn’t say much, but everyone knew they were officially a couple from that moment forward. They dated throughout high school, and Osamu proposed to him at Keiji’s graduation party. They were only eighteen, but they were sure they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.
Keiji got certified to teach at elementary schools, and Osamu got a job at the local factory. They saved up enough money to buy their own home—it was one they had dreamed of having for some time. It was out in nature and had access to the same pond they used to play at when they were kids. It wasn’t much, but it was home and theirs. After a year of marriage, they had already fallen into a routine: work, home, dinner, bed. Keiji loved Osamu, but sometimes he wished things were different. Sometimes he wished they could’ve done more; he hoped they would've traveled or even gone to college in the city. But he loved Osamu and wanted to suck it up and make things work. There was only so much he could take, though.
It had nothing to do with Osamu, and Keiji didn’t want to blame him for how he was feeling. He just wanted more from his life; he wanted to feel as young as they were, so he decided to leave. He wasn't going to tell Osamu. He didn't think he could bear to see the look on his face if he told him. Keiji left in the middle of the night; he waited until Osamu was in a deep sleep before kissing his cheek and leaving a note on the nightstand. He ended up in Tokyo. It wasn’t far, but at least far enough so that he was away from his old life. He had brought enough money to find a hotel until he could find a new place and a job to support himself. Keiji knew he was about to be challenged, but it was something he was up for.
Soon he found a job in retail that lasted only a short time. During one of his shifts, he ran into a well-known designer. At the time, Keiji didn't know who the man was, but after spending an afternoon with him and helping him shop, he had a new job offer. Oikawa Tooru was one of Japan's most famous fashion designers and the person that Keiji now interned with. From him, he learned the ins and outs of the fashion industry. Learning from Oikawa had helped Keiji discover a passion for design he didn't know he had.
After five years of living in Tokyo, Keiji was designing on his own now, and, thanks to Oikawa, he was getting recognized for his work and was asked to do a show featuring designs he had made himself. He even had a new boyfriend—he met Bokuto Koutarou while interning for Oikawa. He was helping with a suit fitting when Bokuto had asked him out for coffee; they hit it off and had been going steady for almost a year. Bokuto had become one of Keiji’s most prominent supporters, and he was grateful to have him.
The night before Keiji’s show, he had stayed late at his studio to finish working on a few outfits that needed tweaking. He hadn’t gotten much sleep and ended up dozing off at his desk. He wasn’t planning on staying late, but it just happened. Keiji ended up sleeping till morning when his phone ringing woke him up. He lifted his head and searched for his phone through his papers.
“Hello?” Keiji said groggily.
“Keiji! Were you asleep? You didn’t stay over at the studio again, did you?”
Keiji should've known that he would get an early wake-up call from his boyfriend. “I did, but there were a few things I needed to finish here.”
“Go home and get some real rest, shower, and eat. It’s your big day! Do you want me to send a car for you?”
“No, that won’t be necessary. I'm close to home and leaving now anyway,” Keiji gathered the papers in front of him; stuffed them into his bag. He waved to the others still there that morning, then started to make his way back to his apartment.
“I’ll be late tonight, but I’ll be there. Oh, and don’t forget about dinner after the show.”
Keiji was soon entering his apartment, looking up to see a vase of roses on the table. “Did you send these?”
“I just wanted to wish you good luck; I’ll see you tonight. I love you.”
“Love you too.” Keiji hung the phone up, going over to examine the flowers. He smiled to himself as he looked at the card. Sometimes Bokuto did too much for him. He always thought of Keiji, and Keiji appreciated every thoughtful gesture.
Taking Bokuto’s advice, Keiji took a short nap after showering and having lunch. He used his spare time to finish getting dressed and gather a change of clothes for dinner after the show. When he arrived at the venue, the models and the stage crew were already preparing things. As he returned to put his things away, everything seemed to be in order. Just as he was about to sit down, he heard hurried footsteps coming his way. He turned to see one of the assistants pulling along a model already dressed for their walk.
“Akaashi-san, I’m sorry, but the top is in the wrong color, and the ruffle is in the wrong place!” the assistant said in distress.
Keiji stood back and looked at the model, "Ask the stage crew to change the lighting color, and you have the top on backward."
The two went on, and Keiji went to check on the others. He was about to offer his assistance again when he heard the familiar voice of his former mentor ring throughout the room.
“Yahoo, Kei-Chan!” Oikawa said as he made his way to Keiji.
“Oikawa-san, what are you doing here?” Keiji asked as Oikawa pulled him into a hug.
“Did you think I would miss my little protégée's first show? I also wanted to scope out the new competition I have." He teased, "I won’t be here for long; I just wanted to come and wish you good luck and say I’ll be watching.”
The two said their goodbyes, and Oikawa went to join the audience that was starting to fill the venue. Showtime came quicker than Keiji would’ve liked, and soon he lined up models to begin their walks down the runway. The music started, and everyone took their places; models began to walk, and crew members assisted in outfit changes. Keiji stood to the side, watching backstage as his visions came to life. He couldn’t be happier with the direction his life was going in.
Midway through the show, he spotted Bokuto making his way through the crowd and taking a seat. Keiji liked seeing Bokuto watching the show—the way he paid attention to each piece and the look of admiration on his face made Keiji’s heart flutter.
After the show was over, Keiji quickly changed into the outfit he had brought to wear to dinner. When he was finished, he went to find Bokuto in the lobby. His boyfriend was waiting for him with a smile on his face.
“Keiji! The show was amazing; I’m so proud,” Bokuto picked Keiji up in a hug.
“Thank you, Koutarou,” Akaashi said as he hugged him back.
Bokuto looked at his watch as he set Keiji down, “We should get going; we don’t want to be late.”
The two left in Bokuto's car, but the further they drove, the more confused Keiji got. Their direction was far from some of Bokuto's favorite restaurants.
“Where exactly are we going?” Keiji asked, raising his eyebrow.
“Oh, I let the others pick the place, so I’m just following the directions that they gave me.”
Keiji decided against questioning it further, so the rest of the drive was silent. When the car finally stopped, they were in front of the theater, where they had one of their first few dates.
“We’re having dinner here?” Keiji asked suspiciously, getting out of the car as Bokuto opened the door for him.
“Yeah, rich people enjoy having dinner in strange places.” Bokuto took Keiji’s hand and led him inside the building.
Inside the building, the lights were low, and there was no sign of Bokuto’s colleagues. It seemed that they were the only ones in the theater.
“Okay, what’s going on? Why are we the only ones here?” he asked, starting to suspect something was wrong.
As Bokuto led him further into the building, Keiji noticed candles lit the stage. Why on earth would an empty stage have lit candles on the floor?
“Just wait; you’ll see.”
When Bokuto stopped, they were standing in the middle of the spread of candles. Bokuto took both of Keiji’s hands in his, “There’s something I wanted to ask you,” he said as he got down on one knee.
Oh, Bokuto had brought him here to propose.
“I know we haven’t been together for long, but Keiji, I love you. There isn't anyone else I can imagine spending the rest of my life with. So, will you marry me?" Bokuto pulled a black velvet box from the pocket of his slacks, opening it to reveal a silver band with diamonds encrusted in it.
Keiji knew it was soon, but h did love Bokuto. During his five years in Tokyo, he had never felt more at home than when he was with Bokuto. He could make this marriage work if he said yes to him. Though, technically, he was still married to Osamu. While separated, Osamu had yet to sign the papers to finalize their divorce. That was something he would deal with later. For now, he wanted to focus on his future with Bokuto.
“Of course, I’ll marry you.” He leaned down and pulled Bokuto into a kiss. At that time, cheers sounded throughout the theater. Keiji pulled back to see some of their closest friends there. He turned to Bokuto with a soft smile, “You kept all of this hidden from me?”
“Believe me; it wasn’t easy.” Bokuto smiled as he stood again.
The two joined their friends, who were all happy to celebrate with them. They mingled and dined until late, and the now fiancés soon headed back to Bokuto’s house.
“Are you going to call and tell your parents?” Bokuto asked as he wrapped an arm around Keiji’s shoulders.
Keiji leaned into his hold and sighed. He had forgotten about having to tell his parents. Keiji had yet to speak to them much since he had left. They had been pretty upset with him, and he was sure they would be even more upset to hear he was engaged over a phone call. He would have to go home and visit. He would also have to go home and see Osamu since he hadn’t signed any of the papers he had sent him. Bokuto knew nothing about this, and he wanted to settle it before meeting his parents.
“No, they wouldn’t want to hear something this important over the phone. I think I might go and visit them.”
Bokuto perked up at the mention of Keiji going home. He knew how badly Bokuto had wanted to meet his parents but now was not the time.
"Oh, good, I'll come with you. We can make a little weekend getaway!"
Keiji cut him off before he could finish, “I’m sorry, Koutarou, but I think I should go alone. I don’t want to overwhelm them with the news. If all is well, we can go together soon.”
“Promise?” Bokuto pouted.
“I promise.”
-
Keiji found himself on a train back to Hyogo the following day. The last time he was on a route like this, he was leaving home. It would be the first time he’d see Osamu face to face in five years, and he wasn’t looking forward to it. He was dreading it, really, but this is what had to be done. Mailing the papers to him hadn’t worked, so he had no choice but to come and ask him in person. If things went well, he hoped to be back on a train to his fiancé tomorrow afternoon.
When he arrived at the station, the rental car he had arranged was already waiting for him. He didn't want to tell his parents he was home yet and didn't want to rely on them for a ride. Depending on how things went with Osamu, he might even avoid his parents altogether. Keiji loaded his bag into the car and left the station. He took in his surroundings as he made his way to Osamu's. Everything still looked like it did when he had left. It was oddly comforting to him, and even though he didn't live in Hyogo anymore, it would always be home.
As Keiji pulled into the driveway of the home he once shared with Osamu, he noticed that things here looked the same as the day he left. The front porch furniture they had picked together still sat precisely where they had placed it, and even an old plant he had tried to grow was potted in the corner still.
Before getting out of the car, Keiji took a deep breath. He wasn't going to back out of this; if he wanted to marry Bokuto, he would have to demand that Osamu finally sign the divorce papers. He slipped his engagement ring off and got out of the car, the folder holding the documents in his hand. He was on his way to knock on the door when Osamu stepped out. His eyes fixed on a tool in his hand.
“Look, this is private property, I don’t know who you are, but ya gotta go.” Osamu looked up, the object in his hand falling to the ground with a thump.
“Keiji.”
“Can we make this quick? I’d like to be out of here as fast as I can,” Keiji said as he began taking papers out of the folder and spreading them out on the car's hood.
Osamu went down the steps to Keiji, “What, you’re not going to say hi? We haven’t seen each other in years, and all you want is for me to sign divorce papers?”
"Oh, I'm sorry; hello, Osamu. If you hadn't sent the last copies back, we wouldn't have had to see each other at all." Keiji put his hand on his hip.
“You hadn’t signed them yet, so why should I have signed them?” Osamu crossed his arms over his chest.
"You should have signed them because I want a divorce. I want to move on," Keiji took out a pen, "so I'm here asking you to sign them now because I want to get on with my life."
“I feel as if I deserve an explanation. You walk out on me, cut off contact and just show up unannounced, wanting me to sign the papers.”
"I don't want to talk about it. I said all I needed to by leaving."
"Ya know what? I'll take a page out of yer book and walk away now." Osamu turned, not waiting for a response, and went back inside, shutting the door behind him. He turned to look at Keiji through the door glass, “do yer parents know you’re here, Keiji? I know you haven’t seen them either.”
With a huff, Keiji went after him. He didn't bother knocking. Instead, he tried opening the door, only for it to be locked. "Don't be like this, Osamu."
“Answer my question.” Osamu stood with his arms crossed.
“No, but if you sign these, I might make a “ Keiji was interrupted by Osamu shutting the blinds on him.
He stood, waiting, then remembered that the house had a side door. He quickly made his way to the side of the house, trying the door and failing to get in again. He groaned. He wasn't going to give up. Keiji was determined to get Osamu to sign the papers, and he was about to wait for him to get out again. Still, an idea struck him as he went around the front of the house again. He was the one who hid the spare key, and Keiji had a feeling that it was still where he’d placed it. He lifted the mat and found the key he was looking for.
He unlocked the door and stepped inside, causing Osamu to leave the kitchen.
“How’d you get in?” Osamu asked, confused
“Spare key,” Keiji said, holding it up, “You should find a new spot for it.”
“I would have if ya had told me where it was when you hid it.”
Keiji put the key down on the cabinet and looked around the house. Just like the outside, not much had changed here. It was as exactly as he remembered it.
"This is trespassing, ya know," Osamu pulled his phone out and started to type something out. Keiji had a feeling he knew who Osamu was calling.
"Technically, this is still my house, and I'm not leaving until you sign the divorce papers," he said as he sat down on the edge of the couch.
“Well, better make yourself at home, then.”
“You-“ Keiji was interrupted by police sirens pulling into the property. “Seriously? You called the cops on me?”
“You were trespassing. What else was I supposed to do?” Osamu said smugly.
The door swung open, and in walked the sheriff.
“You’re joking. Since when did Atsumu become a sheriff?” Keiji frowned, then stood to face Osamu.
“Awe, I've missed you too, Keiji.” Atsumu smiled at them.
"'Tsumu, I didn't call you here to catch up. I called you here because he's breaking and entering." Osamu huffed, annoyed that Atsumu wasn't taking the call seriously.
"I didn't break in; I used a key," Keiji showed Atsumu the key he used.
“He’s right,” Atsumu shrugged, “I’m not getting into a lover quarrel right now, but you two have fun and welcome home, Keiji.” he walked towards the door.
“Is there still a warrant for the person that pushed Kita’s granny’s tractor into the pond?” Osamu asked, looking over at Keiji, whose face had dropped.
“You said that you would never tell anyone! It was an accident!” Keiji exclaimed.
“I didn't accuse you of it; you admitted it yourself.”
Atsumu stood between the two, bickering, “you know that this means I have to take you in; I can’t believe you’re a criminal.”
Keiji could feel his frustration growing. He wasn’t in the mood for these antics. “I’m not a criminal, now if you’d excuse us-“
“I’ve got to take you in.” Atsumu butted in before he could finish.
“Take me in?” Keiji asked, brows raising.
“You’re under arrest for… tractor tipping,” Atsumu put his arm around Keiji’s shoulder. “Let’s go.”
Atsumu started to lead an angry Keiji out the door, Osamu following not far behind them. As Keiji was getting into the car, Osamu shouted out to him.
“Oh, and Keiji,” he smirked some.
Keiji stopped getting in the car to look over at him.
“Welcome home, Darlin.”